Just-Launched Volkswagen Golf GTI Vs Polo GTI: Is The Rs 60 Lakh Price Tag Worth It? [Video]
The German automotive giant Volkswagen India launched the iconic Golf GTI Mk 8.5 in the country. Now, as this front-wheel-drive hot hatch is a CBU (Completely Built Unit), it carries a steep price tag of Rs 52.99 lakh, and that's before taxes, insurance, registration, and other costs. To some, it may seem overpriced, but to some, it may not. Recently, comparing the latest Golf GTI with the previous Volkswagen India’s GTI product, the Polo GTI, a video has been shared online.
This video comparison of the newest Volkswagen Golf GTI and the old Polo GTI has been shared on YouTube by The Drivers Hub on their channel. It starts off with the host of the channel introducing the Volkswagen Golf GTI. He mentions that the Golf GTI is arguably one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive hot hatchbacks to ever exist.
Brief walkaround of the Golf GTI
Following the introduction, the host starts with a brief walkaround of the Volkswagen Golf GTI. He starts by mentioning that the Golf GTI launched in India is the Mark 8.5, which is essentially the facelifted iteration of the Mark 8 Golf GTI. At the front, it gets sleeker LED headlights, new five-pod LED DRLs and fog lights, a new front bumper, and clear LED taillights in the rear.
This hatchback also gets 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and exhaust ports on both ends. He then adds that what makes the Mk 8.5 more unique is the addition of a red accent on the front, which spans from one headlight to the other and is present in the middle of the grille as well.
On the inside, he mentions that it gets special sporty bucket seats finished in Alcantara and Tartan upholstery with red contrast stitching. It also gets a flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel, a massive 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 7-speaker immersive audio, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, three-zone climate control, and a sunroof as well.
He then talks about the main highlight of the Golf GTI, which is its engine. The host mentions that the Golf GTI is based on the MQB platform, which also underpins the Skoda Octavia VRS, Audi RS3, and a number of other cars and SUVs. He then states that all of these cars come with the Gen 4 EA888 2.0-litre TSI engine, which makes 265 bhp and 370 Nm of torque.
The host adds that all the power is sent to the front wheels with the help of the DQ381 dual-clutch automatic gearbox. As for the Polo GTI, it was based on the PQ platform and came equipped with a Gen 3 EA888 1.8-litre TSI engine, which made 189 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. As for transmission, it came with the DQ200 dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Driving dynamics: Which is better?
The vlogger first starts driving the Polo GTI to understand the last GTI product which was offered by the brand in the country. He mentions that this particular vehicle is a Stage 2 build and has a ton of tasteful modifications. Next, he starts driving the new Golf GTI. He mentions that immediately he can feel that the Golf GTI offers amazing acceleration.
During the drive, he added that despite being front-wheel drive with so much power, it still grips the road extremely well and goes in a straight line after punching the accelerator. He added that the ride and handling of this hatchback are unparalleled. The vlogger then talks about the pricing of the Golf GTI and mentions that on one hand, it feels a bit overpriced at Rs 60 lakh on-road.
However, if it is noted that only 150 units of the Golf GTI are being brought to the country, it starts to make a little sense due to the exclusivity factor. Additionally, the vlogger adds that it is not every day that people can get a chance to buy a limited-run GTI product in India.